Reporters Committee launches search for executive director

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a non-profit legal defense and advocacy organization for journalists, has launched a search for a new executive director.

The position, which reports to the Steering Committee, has been filled by Lucy A. Dalglish since January 2000. Dalglish will become dean of the Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland on Aug. 1.

The executive director oversees a 12-person staff in Arlington, Va. Among the job’s responsibilities are coordinating Reporters Committee legal assistance to journalists across the country, supervising the production of legal briefs in key First Amendment and access cases, serving as a national spokesperson on free press and freedom of information issues, fundraising, and overseeing the Reporters Committee digital and print initiatives.

Candidates must be attorneys qualified for admission to the District of Columbia and Virginia bars, have journalism experience, and have an understanding of non-profit and news organizations. Letters of interest – accompanied by a resume and the names and contact information for three references – must be sent no later than June 15 to execdirsearch@rcfp.org.

Founded in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press offers free legal support to thousands of working journalists and media lawyers each year. It is a leader in the fight against persistent efforts by government officials to impede the release of public information, whether by withholding documents or threatening reporters with jail. In addition to its 24/7 Legal Defense Hotline, the Reporters Committee conducts cutting-edge legal research, publishes handbooks and guides on media law issues, files frequent friend-of-the-court legal briefs and offers challenging fellowships and internships for young lawyers and journalists. For more information, go to www.rcfp.org, or follow us on Twitter @rcfp.